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Evaluation of brachial plexus anesthesia for upper extremity surgery
1Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital for Special Surgery, Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York 10021.
Regional Anesthesia
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Both interscalene and axillary blocks provide safe and effective anesthesia for upper extremity surgery. These brachial plexus anesthesia techniques demonstrate high success rates with infrequent major complications.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Surgical Procedures
- Regional Anesthesia
Background:
- Brachial plexus anesthesia is the preferred method for upper extremity surgery at the authors' institution.
- This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of two common brachial plexus block techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the surgical success of interscalene and axillary blocks.
- To evaluate immediate and postoperative complications associated with these anesthesia techniques.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 508 patients undergoing upper extremity surgery.
- Patients received either an interscalene block (n=266) or an axillary block (n=242).
Main Results:
- Surgical anesthesia success rates were 97% for interscalene and 93% for axillary blocks.
- Major immediate complications were rare; postoperative neuropraxias decreased significantly within two weeks.
- For axillary blocks, the transarterial approach showed higher success (96%) than paresthesia (80%).
Conclusions:
- Both interscalene and axillary brachial plexus blocks are safe and effective for upper extremity surgery.
- Technique variations and specific agents can influence outcomes and complication rates.